DCA raids quack’s clinic in Uppal; illegal stock of antibiotics, steroids seized

Hyderabad: Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, raided a quack’s clinic and seized drugs stocked for sale in Medchal-Malkajgiri District

Case details

Based on credible information, The DCA officials raided the premises of an alleged quack, Banothu Srinu, on Monday, at Srinagar Colony, Road No 2, Beerappagadda, Uppal Khalsa Village, Uppal Mandal, Medchal–Malkajgiri District. He was practising medicine without proper qualifications at his clinic called Anjali Clinic.

During the raid, DCA officials detected 17 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, antifungal drugs, analgesics etc., found stocked at the premises without a drug licence. DCA officials seized the stock, worth a total of Rs 20,500 during the raid.

DCA officials detected several ‘antibiotics’ viz. Ceftriaxone, Amoxycillin etc. at the clinic during the raid. Indiscriminate sale of antibiotics, by unqualified persons may have disastrous consequences on the health of the public, including the emergence of ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’.

Officials found ‘steroids’ viz. Dexamethasone at the clinic of the quack. Misusing steroids can have serious health consequences, including immune system suppression, hormonal imbalances, muscle and bone weakness, cardiovascular problems and psychological effects. The indiscriminate use of steroids poses significant risks to public health.

Dr B Lakshmi Narayana, drugs inspector, and Uppal and P Ambedkar, drugs inspector, Medipally carried out the raid. The DCA officers took the samples for analysis. Further investigation will be carried out, and action will be taken as per the law against all the offenders.

Wholesalers/Dealers who supply medicines to unqualified persons, who are stocking and selling drugs without a drug license, are also punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and stringent action shall be taken against such wholesalers/dealers. They shall mandatorily ensure that the recipient entities hold a valid drug license before supplying medicines to them.

Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, issues drug licenses for the stocking and selling of medicines in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Stocking drugs for sale without a drug license is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with imprisonment for up to five years.

The public may report any suspected manufacturing activity related to drugs, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas, as well as any other complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines, through the Drugs Control Administration toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.